The idea
To install air source heat pumps in Eynsford's new hall. Thes are essential to support of the Parish Council's ongoing green aspirations for our village as a whole
Our new modern building will be easier to adapt to different needs and uses of the Community now and in the future. In addition, it will cost less to run. In particular carbon emissions will be drastically reduced. The designers have been successful in achieving a low carbon footprint, by specifying air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, low energy lighting, low u-value glazing/fabric, high air-tightness and low water flow restrictors. The main rooms are designed for passive summer cooling and ventilation providing good air quality and summer overheating mitigation. Electrical Vehicle charging in the car park will complete Eynsford's dive to become as green as possible in our community resources.
What we'll deliver
- A heated village hall
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Reduced expenditure on the community assets running costs
Why it's a great idea
The village hall is a key part of Eynsford's community. It is used by village clubs and groups from the WI to amateur dramatics to the gardening club,. by sport and wellness groups for instance badminton, yoga, keep fit, for children's dance groups and for larger events such as quizzes, dinners, dances and more. Social interaction is vital for good mental health and support; and community events are important for the more isolated people in our communities. About 30% of Eynsford's population is over 60. Community facilities such as the village hall provide a great social benefit for them. The hall would not be able to be used if it was not heated.
The air sourced heat pumps when used in our specially designed new building will reduce our current CO2 emissions from 10.3 tonnes per annum to 1.7 tonnes per annum avoiding the use of natural gas and taking advantage of the continuing "greening up" of the electricity grid.
This is an 83% reduction in carbon footprint for ongoing use.
Steps to get it done
- Installing the air sourced heat pumps,
- Testing the operation of the heating system
Eynsford Village Hall Trustees and Eynsford Parish Council have carried out local consultations on the use of the village hall over a prolonged period of time.
In 2007, 96% responded that a purpose-built village hall was needed. Most interest was expressed in activities for arts, sports, education and retired people.
In 2011 there was overwhelming recognition of the importance of the hall to village life. Almost 97% agreed that the Village Hall and the activities that took place there helped to make Eynsford a good place to live and strengthened the sense of community.
In 2017 residents were asked to comment on which type of facilities were needed in relation to a village hall, and a separate survey of users of the hall showed similar results to the 2011 survey.
A final consultation was carried out in 2021 and the findings have been incorporated into the final design of the new hall.
